get on

verb

got on; got on or gotten on; getting on; gets on

intransitive verb

1

: get along

was getting on in years

got on well with the boss

get on with the game

2

: to gain knowledge or understanding

got on to the racket

transitive verb

1

: to produce an unfortunate effect on : upset

the noise got on my nerves

2

: to criticize insistently

the fans got on him for losing the game

Synonyms of get on

• cope
• do
• get by
• get along
• make do
• make ends meet

Examples of get on in a Sentence

despite his new job's low pay, he was still getting on

find out how the marketing department is getting on with the new ad campaign

Recent Examples on the Web

The kit also includes two pairs of gloves, shampoo, conditioner, and a cleansing wipe to remove any dye that gets on your skin. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026

To get on the trend, fill containers on your PET-io and garden beds with pet-safe plants like zinnias, daylilies, ferns, marigolds, roses, and blueberry bushes. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

But simply getting on the long list far exceeded Alexan’s expectations. —Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Even two defenders, Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia, got on the scoresheet — the first time five goals have been scored by Madrid academy players in a single match since 1989. —Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for get on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

get on

verb

1

: get along sense 3

they got on well

2

: to start dealing with

I'll get on it right away

3

: to criticize (someone) repeatedly

4

: to grow old